Accounting Blog

Can you claim business coaching or mentoring as a tax-deductible expense? This guide explains when coaching costs are allowable, what tax authorities look for, common red flags, and how to document business purpose. Learn which coaching is claimable, when costs are challenged, and how to protect your position confidently today.

This guide explains why cancellations and bad clients happen, and how to handle them professionally through strong accounts processes. Learn how to protect cash flow, enforce payment terms, manage disputes, and reduce stress with clear policies, deposits, documentation, and consistent workflows that turn difficult situations into manageable, repeatable operations.

Can you claim expenses for business photography, branding, and website costs? This guide explains what’s tax deductible, how “wholly and exclusively” rules apply, when costs are revenue or capital, and how to handle mixed personal use. Practical examples help you claim correctly and avoid common mistakes with confidence and clarity.

Being paid through PayPal or Stripe doesn’t automatically define your taxable income. This guide explains what counts as income, what doesn’t, and which records to keep. Learn how to separate gross receipts, fees, refunds, taxes, and expenses so your tax return is accurate and defensible for freelancers and online businesses.

Preparing your second Self Assessment tax return can feel tougher than the first. This guide explains what changes in year two, from Payments on Account to better record-keeping, and shows how to plan ahead, avoid common mistakes, and file with confidence using a clear, stress-reducing process.

Can you claim business expenses when profit is tiny? This guide explains why low profit doesn’t block deductions, how tax authorities judge business versus hobby, which expenses need extra care, and how to keep records defensible so legitimate costs, losses, and mixed-use claims don’t create unnecessary risk for small businesses.

Switching accountants mid-year is more common—and safer—than many people think. This guide explains what changes, what stays the same, how the handover works, common risks to avoid, and how a smooth mid-year switch can actually improve compliance, clarity, and financial control.

Sole traders don’t legally need contracts or terms and conditions for tax compliance, but clear written terms can make record-keeping far easier. They help evidence income, timing, deposits, cancellations, refunds, and expenses, reducing ambiguity and supporting your tax position if HMRC ever asks questions.

Can you claim expenses for business networking events? This practical guide explains when tickets, travel, meals, memberships, and sponsorships are deductible, where entertainment rules restrict claims, and how treatment differs for sole traders, companies, and employees. Learn how to evidence business purpose, split mixed costs, and avoid common tax pitfalls.